US News -- HR 2143, also known as the Bachus Internet gambling bill, is once again on the House of Representatives schedule. The bill is to be taken up tomorrow, although Interactive Gaming News's Washington, D.C. source says not to be surprised if the bill is once again pulled off the table at the last minute. The Bachus bill, proposed by Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., is the same as the bill put forth by Rep. James Leach, R-Iowa, except that it lacks civil and criminal penalties. Reps. Richard Pombo, R-Ca., who is the chairman of the Resources Committee, and James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., chairman of the Judiciary Committee, are expected to offer amendments that would affect the bill's carve-outs.
Data Hub -- Hong Kong residents gamble about US $3.2 billion per year, with the most popular games being mahjong and soccer betting, according to a recent study by the University of Hong Kong. Reuters reported today that the average household in Hong Kong spends US $96 per month on gambling and that 75 percent of those polled think soccer betting should be legalized.
UK Tidbit -- The Financial Times reported today that Sports Minister Richard Caborn is saying that changes to the liberalize U.K. gambling will probably be delayed by a year. The changes are being pushed back by the glut of legislation commanding Parliament's attention.